Flyers Cruising Despite Big "E" Distraction

by 6 ABC - Action News (AP) | Feb 21, 2001

From general manager Bob Clarke to coach Bill Barber to the players, the Flyers are keeping their focus on hockey. They`ve won five straight games to take over first place in the Atlantic Division. Management contends that after the adversity the team had to overcome last year, this year`s challenge isn`t quite so formidable.

The impact of a rumored trade seems to be a bigger issue in Toronto than Philadelphia.

"It`s a little bit different for them (the Leafs)," Eric Desjardins said. "The names that are mentioned in the trade, they`re in the dressing room all the time.

"I don`t know why it`s such a big deal, it`s always there, the possibility you`re going to get traded. It`s a business. We`ve been doing a really good job putting it aside. I don`t think we have to change anything."

Keith Primeau said the Flyers aren`t upset that the team`s strong play has taken a back seat to the Lindros matter in the media.

"Our guys recognize the situation for what it is. We made a decision a long time ago that we couldn`t affect or predict an outcome," he said. "So we just have to go out and do our jobs. We can`t get ourselves sidetracked."

The Flyers would like to see closure to the whole thing at some point.

"It would be nice if they (Leafs) just said they don`t want him," Clarke said. "Then they can go about their business and we can go about ours.

"They (the Flyers` players) can`t help but read about it. But after what most of these guys went through last year, this is minor to them."

Barber has his team 14 games over .500 since taking over Dec. 10. He said he hasn`t had to say anything to his players about the recent commotion.

"I think a lot of that (Lindros) stuff was put aside last year," Barber said. "I think a lot of the mental toughness aspect (developed there). Believe it or not, it hasn`t been an issue with our team at all."

Clarke reiterated he doesn`t think the Leafs and Flyers are close to making a deal.

"I still don`t believe anything is going to happen this year," Clarke said. "I think Lindros is going to sit all year, unless he changes his stance."

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) From general manager Bob Clarke to coach Bill Barber to the players, the Flyers are keeping their focus on hockey. They`ve won five straight games to take over first place in the Atlantic Division. Management contends that after the adversity the team had to overcome last year, this year`s challenge isn`t quite so formidable.